Episode 21. Hillbilly Elegy vs. Demon Copperhead: A Tale of Two Appalachias

In this book club edition of Inside the Design Studio, David Peck sits down with Matt Layfield to dissect Barbara Kingsolver's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Demon Copperhead. Set in the heart of Appalachia, the book is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield, but with a contemporary twist that tackles everything from the opioid crisis to systemic poverty. Kingsolver's deep connection to the region brings authenticity and empathy to her storytelling, making this a deeply impactful read. Together, David and Matt explore parallels with Hillbilly Elegy, the devastating role Purdue Pharma played in exploiting the region's pain, and how the novel serves as both a poignant social commentary and a story of personal resilience.

Expect deep insights, some gallows humor, and a whole lot of literary love. Grab a drink—you'll need it for this one!

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver The focus of this episode and a must-read for anyone interested in modern social commentary with a Dickensian twist. Link to Demon Copperhead

• The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver An earlier work by Kingsolver that explores themes of religion, colonialism, and family, set in the Congo. Link to The Poisonwood Bible

• Pharma: Greed, Lies, and the Poisoning of America by Gerald Posner An in-depth look at the pharmaceutical industry, from benzodiazepines to OxyContin, including the Sackler family's role. Link to Pharma

• Racism Without Racists by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva An essential read that breaks down systemic racism and how it operates subtly in society. Link to Racism Without Racists